FAQs About A Commercial HVAC System in St. Cloud, FL
Running a business in St. Cloud, FL, takes much of your time and attention, so building concerns can easily get lost in the shuffle. Your commercial HVAC system is one of those building issues that you must consider before any problems arise. Asking yourself the following questions can go a long way toward preventing lost production or increased expenses from unexpected failures in your HVAC system.
How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Last?
While commercial HVAC systems are far more robust than their residential counterparts, this doesn’t mean they last forever. Their parts age, seams loosen and metal fatigues just like any other system, and often at a quicker pace in a commercial setting. You should consider any commercial HVAC system good for 15 years of use, and a well-maintained system good for 20 years of heavy work.
Should You Change Your Filters More Often?
Your commercial HVAC system moves a lot of air that tends to be dirtier than that handled by a residential unit. Commercial systems should have their filters checked or replaced monthly. Dirty filters not only allow dust and debris to pass, but they impede airflow, causing your system to work much harder.
The constricted airflow has nowhere to go and turns into a tremendous amount of backpressure within the system. This back pressure causes extra wear and tear and results in a shorter lifespan for your system and an increase in needed repairs, both of which harm your bottom line.
How Important Is Ductwork?
Your ductwork acts as the blood vessels to the heart of your HVAC system. Leaky, poorly placed and dirty ductwork is not unlike clogged arteries in your body. They make everything work harder and vital areas don’t get enough of what they need to work efficiently.
Floor spaces change over time, and what was a good design 15 years ago may now be wasted energy flowing into unoccupied space. A newly installed and well-designed duct system will be quieter, more efficient and tightly sealed against treated air flowing uselessly inside walls or out into the open air.
Why Is Maintenance So Important?
Commercial HVAC maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency and is also required to maintain most HVAC manufacturer warranties. Regular maintenance can also prevent dangerous conditions such as increased carbon monoxide levels in your workspace. Without proper maintenance, debris can collect on the components of the system and throughout the ductwork which hampers operation and will cause expensive failures and even downtime in your production.
A proper maintenance program will keep your system and your workers operating full time and in safety. Maintenance inspections are a thorough process and include:
- Replacing all filters
- Checking and clearing all drain lines
- Inspecting ducting for debris and sealing leaks
- Cleaning condensers and coils
- Checking all electrical connections
- Inspecting, lubricating and replacing, as needed, all blowers and moving parts
Is a High-Efficiency System Worth the Investment?
If you find that your system is failing or has simply aged to the point that replacement is necessary, high efficiency is the way to go. Taking the “green” path has many advantages starting with the potential for tax breaks and a positive effect on your public image. The initial effect on your operating budget may be daunting, but the savings in energy costs will offset the expense down the road.
Your workers will also be more comfortable, which as study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab has proven to increase productivity and will enhance your bottom line even further. When competing for a contract with an otherwise equal competitor, your dedication to improving the global climate could well put you over the top. A high-efficiency commercial HVAC system will continue to pay dividends long after installation has taken place.
Wondering if it isn’t time to be more proactive about your commercial HVAC system? Call us at Frank’s Air Conditioning to schedule a service inspection anywhere in the St. Cloud, FL, area to find out exactly where your system stands.
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